The Southern Six area is blessed with some incredible high school baseball programs that have regularly played for and brought back state championships.
This season is expected to be no different in the Class 5A and Class 6A ranks on the Mississippi Coast. Here is a capsule preview:
REGION 3-6A
PEARL RIVER CENTRAL
Head coach: Neal Walther
The Blue Devils finished the 2023 campaign 22-12 and were the runner-up in Region 7-5A at 5-4.
PRC took two of three games from George County in the first round of the playoffs but dropped two of three to West Jones in the next round.
With realignment, the Blue Devils moved up in classification this season and find themselves facing teams in Region 3-6A comprised of schools in the Hattiesburg, Laurel, and Jackson areas.
Pearl River Central opened its season earlier this week with a 5-1 win over Poplarville and will face the Hornets again Thursday at 7 p.m.
REGION 4-6A
GEORGE COUNTY
Head coach: Brandon Davis
The Rebels finished 18-13 in 2023 and were 3-6 in Region 8-5A.
George County dropped two of three games to Pearl River Central in the opening round of the playoffs.
George County moved up this season to Class 6A, where it will compete in 4-6A against Hancock, Long Beach, Pascagoula, Picayune, and West Harrison.
The Rebels opened their season earlier this week and defeated Greene County 8-2. George County will play the Wildcats on Friday in its home opener. Game time is 7 p.m.
HANCOCK
Head coach: Anthony DeWitt
The Hawks won just four games last season and one region game in 8-6A.
Hancock is off to a much better start this season, winning its opener 8-5 over Pass Christian earlier this week.
After facing the Pirates again on Thursday, the Hawks will take on Poplarville on Saturday. Game time is 1 p.m. in Poplarville.
LONG BEACH
Head coach: Garrett LaRosa
Long Beach finished 12-14 in 2023 and made the Class 5A playoffs, where it dropped two of three games to Vancleave in the opening round.
The Bearcats dropped their 2024 season opener earlier this week, 4-3 at D’Iberville. The Warriors and Bearcats tangle once again Friday in Long Beach. Long Beach then hosts St. Patrick on Saturday at 1 p.m.
PASCAGOULA
Head coach: Colton Caver
After going 8-13 and missing the playoffs in 2023, Pascagoula turns to a new coach in Colton Caver.
The Panthers lost their 2024 opener 3-2 at two-time 5A state champion East Central earlier this week and will get another shot at the Hornets tonight at home. First pitch is set for 7.
PICAYUNE
Head coach: Evan Nichelson
The Maroon Tide have moved up in classification.
They are coming off a 17-15 season and Region 7-5A title in 2023. Their year included advancing to the third round of the 5A state playoffs, where Picayune dropped a hard-fought three-game series against eventual two-time state champion East Central.
Picayune is off to a good 2024 start, routing perennial power Petal 11-0 in its season opener earlier this week. After playing Friday in Biloxi, the Tide host Stone High on Saturday at 1 p.m.
WEST HARRISON
Head coach: David Marsland
The Hurricanes finished 8-19 last season, with two wins coming in Region 7-5A.
West Harrison moves up to 6A and opened its 2024 season Thursday at Biloxi before playing at Gulfport on Saturday.
The Hurricanes take on powerhouse East Central in home-and-home games next week. West Harrison will have its home opener on Tuesday and then travel to Hurley on Friday. Both games begin at 7 p.m.
REGION 4-5A
EAST CENTRAL
Head coach: Bo Long
The Hornets will be seeking a three-peat this season after claiming back-to-back Class 5A state championships.
East Central posted a 28-11 record last season and is off to a good start this year after coming from behind to defeat Pascagoula 3-2 earlier this week. After the Hornets and Panthers met again Thursday, East Central travels to West Harrison on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
GAUTIER
Head coach: Deion Ulmer
The Gators will be looking to improve after finishing 8-16 in 2023.
Gautier opened its 2024 season Thursday at St. Martin and will play at Resurrection Catholic on Friday before facing Picayune in its home opener Tuesday.
STONE HIGH
Head coach: Sean Miller
The Tomcats got on a roll at the end of the 2023 season, sweeping both South Pike and Mendenhall in the Class 4A playoffs before dropping a two-game series to Purvis in the third round.
Stone High looks to build on that momentum when it opens its 2024 season in Class 5A with a home game against St. Stanislaus on Thursday, followed by a road game against Gulfport on Friday.
VANCLEAVE
Head coach: Justin Edwards
The Bulldogs are coming off a 24-13 campaign that included Class 5A playoff wins over Long Beach and South Jones before dropping two of three to West Jones.
The Bulldogs opened their 2024 season at Harrison Central on Thursday and will travel to St. Stanislaus on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. game. The home opener is Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. against St. Martin.
